Galapita is so special it almost seems a shame to share the secret among too many people. Two friends on a pilgrimage to Kateragama went exploring into ‘Veddha Country’. They discovered two large rocks with a natural pool and a waterfall on the banks of Menik Ganga (Gem river) and Galapita (on a rock) was born. At first they slept simply on mats under the stars, eventually building a hut. This project expanded as friends joined for weekends.

@ LL/Dec 2008

Now this eco-sanctuary can accommodate up to 12 guests, depending how cosy you want to be! Ideal for solo travellers or families looking for adventure.

It’s a two-storey mud-brick and clay building with thatched roof and a splash of green from the freshly planted rice paddy at the entrance. Upon entering through its antique doors you are immediately faced with the majesty of not only a horse sculpture in the expansive foyer, but also the beauty of the full riverscape of the Menik Ganga before you. There are no walls on this side of the villa; the trees and the river are your barrier against the world. The bedrooms upstairs on either side of the villa provide striking views and get best advantage of the cool breeze. Galapita’s namesake – the rock upon a rock – is clearly visible from up here. The bathrooms are within the villa, yet they still offer the experience of soaking in the al fresco bathtub while observing the scenery around you.

Acres of unfenced land where the rhythms of the forest and changing seasons dictate this harmonious life. Dreams of sleeping under the stars come true in the four riverside pavilions or you may prefer to climb to the tree house tower where only birds can be seen and heard. The flat land is surrounded by hills visited by sloth bears, eagles, wild boar and flocks of peacocks.

A variety of beautiful routes can bring you to Galapita from Colombo, the capital of the island passing along the popular south coast, then up north through sacred Kataragama and Yala Wild Life Reserve where both elephants & the leopard roam, or through the interior of the island, past Uda Walawe wild life reserve on to Tanamalwila turn left to Wellawaya and on to Buttala and Galapita or turn right at Tanamalwila and drive through Lunugamvehera dam via Kataragama to Galapita. Or you may travel through Ratnapura to Beragala and proceed via Buttala to Galapita, or simply drive down from Nuwara Eliya through the scenic Ella – Wellawaya route.

Galapita Pavilions are made of natural renewable materials and are nestled among protected pockets of forests, paddy fields, waterfalls and a lake along the meandering river of gems. The four Sleeping Pavilions named after trees and gems, combine intimate bonding with nature and each other with traditional comforts.

Galapita Healing Garden is an Oasis for those seeking to replenish body and mind. Galapita Healing Garden Mineral Spa provides the ultimate in indulgence by gracious staff in a beautiful setting. An Ayurveda experience at Galapita, combined with yoga and meditation, will nurture, calm, relax, detoxify, rejuvenate and harmonise your mind and body creating a sense of total health and well-being.

The southern end of the Galapita Healing Garden where the rivers converge, the Yoga Sala is built on the magnificent Asandgala sculptured with seven natural lotus ponds. This pavilion is a wonderful location to meet at dusk to enjoy magnificent sunsets. There are daily free yoga classes for the guests.

Galapita is located in a unique position in the country to offer all kinds of experiences. Yala National Park is but a stone’s throw away, the Buddha statues of Wellawaya are within 30km and the shrine revered by all religions, Kataragama, is a short 25km journey away.

There’s plenty at Galapita to stimulate your mind – bird-watching, panning for gems, walks in the gardens, paddles in the river. Conversely, if you are looking for complete relaxation then this also is the place. Absolute quiet, just the gentle sounds of the river, bird song and perhaps an occasional noisy peacock.

Galapita is so special it almost seems a shame to share the secret among too many people.